You Will Never Run Out Of Things To Do In Singapore
Written By: Kimberley Pang
One of the reasons many have uprooted their lives in Singapore or furthered their education overseas as soon as the chance emerges is the perception that there is nothing to do in Singapore. Personally, I think the solution to this problem roots from the question of what one wants to do rather than whether there is, in fact, things to do. With that, here is a list of five adventures (ranging from least to most expensive) you can embark on with your loved ones if time permits!
1. Coast to Coast Trail
If you haven’t already seen popular local Youtubers like Sneaky Sushii attempt this trail, this is your sign to embark on this physical challenge! The Coast-to-Coast trail mapped by NParks is a 36-kilometre trail across Singapore from Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island. As a two-time attempter of the trail, I would like to think that I am qualified enough to give some tips for those who plan to attempt the challenge.
Firstly, do plan to have two days to spare when you choose to embark on the trail – one to walk the actual route and the other for recovery (trust me, you do not want to have to report to school or work the day after). Secondly, it is best to either start the walk from dawn so that public transport is still available when you complete a night. Alternatively, you may choose to complete the walk overnight and return home in the morning if you wish to avoid the afternoon sun! Thirdly, mentally prepare yourself for sore feet and muscles if you embark on the walk without prior training.
My friends and I took approximately 8 hours to complete three-quarters of the walk (before we eventually gave in to fatigue) and our calves and ankles were aching for days after.
However, through the sweat, tears and throbbing muscles, I have to say that this is one of the best bonding activities I have ever participated in. It gave us plenty of time for conversation and you are guaranteed to connect with them on a level you have never experienced before. Nothing bonds one another more than shared pain!
After all, can you really say you are Singaporean if you have not attempted the trail?
2. Treetop walk @ MacRitchie – free
If you wish to do something active with your loved ones that is not as time consuming and energy zapping as the Coast-to-Coast trail, this is a great alternative! The TreeTop Walk is a free-standing suspension connecting Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang in MacRitchie, allowing people to walk amidst the forest canopy and bask in the bird's eye view of its biodiversity.
The actual walkway is approximately 250 metres long, but the distance to the entrance of the walk may vary. One may choose to track up MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which is a 4.5-kilometre trail that takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Alternatively, you may access the TreeTop Walk by walking through Windsor Nature Park, which is a 2.5-kilometre trail. The Treetop walk is open on weekdays (except Monday) from 9 am to 5 pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 8.30 am to 5 pm, so plan your journey accordingly!
3. Ride the cable car @ Sentosa -- $3 for Singaporeans'
As a Singaporean, I have always avoided partaking in tourist-y activities because of the perception that they tend to morbidly expensive. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a cable car ride to Sentosa was so affordable!
Image by Sentosa
The cable car takes you on a round trip journey through Sentosa for only $3 for locals – a large discount compared to the price for tourists! Not only do you get to experience feeling like a foreigner in your own country for a fraction of the price, it also serves as a great photo-taking opportunity and a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of our country.
The cable car ride also proved to be a convenient form of transport around Sentosa, allowing my friends and I to alight at stops that we wanted to explore and reboard as and when we wanted to.
4. Island hopping – ferry tickets from $15 onwards
If you have abundant time to spare, you should round your friends up for a trip to Singapore’s sister islands like Lazarus or St John’s Island for a fun getaway! The beaches are a lot less crowded than the ones we have on the mainland, which gives you more privacy to explore and have fun. Ferry tickets go for $15 or more, so remember to plan your ferry timings in advance.
5. Café hopping @ Tiong Bahru – depending on personal spending
Although there has been many controversial takes on the gentrification of old neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed the emergence of new cafés that have resulted. Because of the number of cafes that come and go, I enjoy the thrill of knowing that I will always have a new café to patronise every time I return. The different personalities of each café and exploring what they each have to offer never ceases to amaze me and are also great places for me to complete my work if I tire of the usual study locations.
However, do bear in mind that the price of food and drinks can be pricey, so I would recommend coming with a few friends so that you can split the bill and try more cafés that way. One of my personal favourites is Caffe Pralet located at 17 Eng Hon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions that serves delicious, generously packed sandwiches. It is a must-visit for fans of sourdough bread or bagels.
I hope after reading this, you will also come to realise that if you really think about it, you will never run out of things to do in Singapore, so long as you are willing to explore!
